Unique Fashion Mall, a small business in South L.A., has undergone four break-ins between August and October. The owner of the store, Anna Mayes, says if no action is taken to reduce crime in this community she will be forced to shut down her shop.
Mayes has been the owner of Unique Fashion Mall for almost 30 years, and said she has never witnessed crime this egregious. “Since the pandemic, since 2020, these things have gotten worse. I have never been attacked like this,” she said.
Mayes has had to deal with severe damage caused by these break ins, including broken windows, doors, and a smashed television. Video evidence of this destruction as well as security footage from the crime was shown by ABC7 when they reported on the incident.
According to a police report from August, there was $2600 worth of goods stolen and $2000 of damage done to her store.
In the most recent crime occurring in October, the two suspects were caught and arrested with bags of clothing that amounted to $10,000 in total, according to Mayes. She says that those who broke into her business were released from police custody, though she does not know who they are. The merchandise was later returned to her, but damage to her storefront will have a large impact on her business.
An email from the public information office of the LAPD reads, “On October 14, 2023, there was a Burglary on 89th Street and Western Avenue that occurred at 12:44 a.m., and possible suspect was taken into custody.”
The surrounding area of Unique Fashion Mall has been experiencing an increase in crime and burglaries in recent months. According to the CompStat crime statistics, 40 burglaries occurred in the Southwest area of Los Angeles just in the month of September. Compared to 2021, this year has seen just a 5% increase in burglary within the South L.A. area.
Mayes discussed the importance of involving the government, including the mayor and city council, as this issue not only involves stores, but also cars, banks, housing, etc.
Cheryl Williams works at the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center, which is on the same street as Mayes’s business. In a phone conversation, she said that crime in the neighborhood is neither increasing or decreasing. She also commended the city for clearing a homeless encampment on the street recently.
Mayes said, “they [the homeless population] don’t have a place to stay, don’t have enough for basic necessities that they need to sustain themselves without… infringing on other people’s livelihood and possessions, that they have to take care of themselves.”
In regards to making sure all people have access to essential needs and reducing crime, Mayes says, “we can if we work together, we really can.” Currently, she is angry at the lack of attention and support that councilmen and the government are providing to this issue. Community Coalition, an advocacy and social justice group in South L.A, had no comment on the social determinants at play.
As the issues surrounding crime continue to directly affect the store, Mayes is fighting to stay in business. She says, “I want to stay in my community,” but also recognizes the struggle she will continue to endure if the problems aren’t addressed. After the damage to her window, Mayes had to put up plywood as a less expensive alternative to replacing the glass. In addition, stolen supplies and other broken items will need to be replaced.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story stated that Community Coalition did not respond to Annenberg Media’s request for comment. However, Community Coalition did respond and stated they had no statement to give on the situation. That sentence has been edited for clarity.